Eatz: Dining at Bollywood Masala in Old Town Alexandria

Alexandria, VA – Bollywood Masala first opened in La Plata, MD, in 2009. The owners, husband and wife Rajat Malhotra and Punita Malhotra, had the goal of bringing authentic flavors of Indian culture and cuisine to the city scene in La Plata. Their passion for food and cooking has no limits. They have polished and perfected the recipes they serve today in both La Plata and Old Town Alexandria (211 King St.). Rajat and Punita emphasize freshness to ensure their food is of the highest quality.
I’ve heard many people say they don’t like Indian food because it’s too spicy and hot. But not all Indian food falls into those categories. When someone talks about Indian food, you should separate the two descriptions. Hot is obvious. It can range from barely tingling to a march through Death Valley. Heat can vary based on the type of peppers used. Spices create another level of flavor. For instance, basmati rice can be cooked with cloves or cinnamon. Other dishes reflect a combination of spices that create enjoyable flavors. These include cardamon, ginger, and cumin. The combination of peppers and spices mixed with ghee, yogurt, and coconut milk create the dishes we enjoy. Think tandoori preparations and butter chicken.
At Bollywood Masala, you can enjoy a meal brimming with the flavors of India based on regional cuisines influenced by Persia, Pakistan, China, Portugal, France, and Great Britain. At first glance, the menu looks overwhelming. The staff is your best friend as they help create your meal. Menu items are marked as nut-free, gluten-free, or vegan where appropriate. Vegans and vegetarians will find a wide variety of dishes they can enjoy.
The bar offers a wide variety of cocktails. Many have been crafted to enhance the flavors on the menu. Bourbon and whiskey drinkers should take note of the large selection. Specialty cocktails include house-infused ingredients like the Bollywood Margarita made with jalapeno and star anise-infused tequila. For a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, you must try a lassi. The mango lassi tastes like you’ve bitten into a fresh ripe mango. It’s a perfect accompaniment to any of the menu items. If you are looking for comfort, order a chai. The tea is flavored with warming spices and will make you feel like you’ve just had a massage. It’s one of the most delicious chais I have ever tasted.
I started with one of my favorite items: kale pakora. A pakora is a Punjabi word referring to fish, meat, or vegetables that are deep-fried in a batter usually made from chickpea flour. The kale pakora is flash-fried until crisp. Even kale haters will love these crispy bites. Served with a tamarind dipping sauce, the pakora is just marvelous. They also make pakoras with chicken and with mixed vegetables for vegans.
The Aloo Tiki Chat is another favorite. These potato cakes are topped with spiced chickpeas and chutney. It will knock your socks off and is vegan. I tried it during Restaurant Week. Another starter is the Lasooni Gobhi – cauliflower florets cooked in a sweet and tangy chili garlic sauce.
Breads are an important part of any Indian meal. There are kulchas made with a white flour dough that is a softer, fluffier bread; whole wheat flour parathas and rotis; and naan, usually made from wheat flour with a chewier, more robust texture and a smoky flavor. Check out the stuffed varieties.
You could just make a meal from the variety of kabobs on the menu. Most familiar is the Chicken Tandoori, which is covered in a dry rub of various spices and grilled. The combination of spices on the chicken was amazing. The Chicken Haryali Kabob is another delicious dish, where the chicken is marinated in cilantro, mint, lime, and spinach. The mix of spices and herbs produces a lush delightful bite. Pescatarians can enjoy shrimp or salmon kabobs also grilled with Indian spices.
There are nine different curries served at Bollywood Masala. Here are a few delicious choices. Korma is a subtle flavor of onions in a creamy sauce with mild herbs. The Mango curry is a sister sauce to Korma, a thick onion and tomato sauce with chunks of onion and peppers blended with mango sauce. It has a subtle sweetness from the mango. The Makhani/Butter sauce is a creamy blend of tomato sauce with mild herbs and spices. It’s most often ordered as butter chicken and the sauce is so very soft and velvety.
The mango curry is paired with chicken, salmon, shrimp, tofu, paneer, or lamb. I tried the chicken, where tender pieces were bathed in a soothing sauce that both tingled with spices and had a sweet finish from the mango. Another big hit for me was the Bollywood Special, an onion and tomato-based sauce with a hint of garlic, served with lovely pieces of salmon.
So many vegetable dishes are offered. Vegetarians and vegans can create a wonderful meal. One of my favorites is the Baingan Bhartha. If you love eggplant, this is the dish for you. The eggplant is smoked and cooked with onions and peas. It’s so thick and rich, a vegetarian delight. Another familiar dish is the yellow dal. The dish is a tasty vegetarian home-style blend of lentils tempered with tomatoes and onions. Both are served with basmati rice. I would be happy to just luxuriate in either or both of these dishes. I can’t forget the biriyani. The chicken biriyani is a dish of rice cooked with spices and nuts and served with a side of raita.
The dessert menu provides a not-to-sweet ending to a meal filled with so many flavors. Forgive me for not taking pictures of the desserts. I pounced on them like I hadn’t eaten in days. The Gulab Jamun features warm homemade doughnut balls in a honey glaze. The dense balls soak up the honey to create a delicious bite. Kheer, a rice pudding cooked with cardamon, was another favorite. I also sampled the rasmalai, a flavorful bowl of house-made cheese patties in pistachio milk. It’s lovely. I recommend trying all three with the dessert platter.
Bollywood Masala prides itself on authentic flavors in a beautiful backdrop. The dining rooms are warm and comfortable, providing a perfect setting for your meal.
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